V Zahradch 24/836 180 00 Praha 8

Tel:
+420-2-8384-2063, -2064, -3022
Fax: +420-2-8384-1067
e-mail: ndt@starmans.cz

Ultrasonic Testing Using EMAT Probes

Non-Contact Testing without Couplant
Basic Principle
EMAT (ElectroMagnetic Acoustic Transducer) works on all conductive materials, using the principle of Lorentz
force in magnetic field. Depending on the orientation of the force vector, it is possible to generate different
ultrasonic wave types.
Shear wave is generated when the magnetic field is oriented vertically.
An advantage of EMAT is, compared to common transducers, that ultrasonic waves dont need to be
transferred through couplant into inspected material ultrasonic waves are generated directly in the material
itself.

EMAT probe
EMAT probe transducer consists of a coil with appropriate parameters.
Common coils are used for frequencies 2 to 5 MHz. The coil is placed into
magnetic field of permanent magnets made of rear earths.
Protective layer of the probe
Protective layer, in this application, is made of corundum, which prevents
probe from damage even after hard impact. Thus, EMAT probe may have
virtually unlimited service life.
Preamplifier cable length
There is a built-in preamplifier in the EMAT probe, because generally
EMAT signal is very weak compared to classic piezoelectric transducer.
Preamplifier amplifies the weak signal, to make it possible to connect the
probe using 5 m cable without any problem.

EMAT probes STARMANS

can be used for hand and
automated testing. They have
thread for distance adjustment

Pulse separator
Pulse separator separates initial pulses from the measured signal and
protects preamplifier against high voltage of power pulser. Probe works as single element transducer.
EMAT cables
Cables shall have appropriate impedance to transfer high power and prevent energy losses.
EMAT parameters for thickness measurement
Dead zone
15 s
Range of measured thickness
0.8 mm 150 mm
Distance between probe and material 1 to 2 mm !!!
Thickness of protective layer
0.5 mm
Material of protective layer
corundum plate
Type of probe
shear wave
Frequency of probe
2 7 MHz

Probe holder
For linear and area testing, the EMAT probe can be mounted
into special carriage with small rollers for easy and continuous
probe movement. Distance between probe and material is
maintained in the range to 1 to 2 mm no contact with
measured surface.
Movement co-ordinates may be detected for B-scan presentation on the display.
Preamplifier

Description of Functioning
EMAT system based on DIO2000 electronics:

Pulse separator

Coax. cables

- EMAT channel comprises DIO2000-SF standard US

channel unit;

Probe coil

DIO2000 US card
DIO2000 Pulser

Protective layer

- pulser DIO2000-BP;
- EMAT probe with bulit-in preamplifier.

Measured tube

Personal Computer

EMAT Block diagram

DIO565 EMAT Hand Flaw Detector

for Thickness Measurement
Hand instrument can be equipped as two-channel flaw
detector EMAT or 1 channel for classic US inspection and
2 channel EMAT. Then it is possible to use both classic
(piezoelectric) transducers and EMAT.

DIO2000 portable EMAT Hand Flaw Detector for Non-Contact

Thickness Measurement and Flaw Detection Without Couplant
The hand instrument DIO2000 with colour display and
full comfort as stationary equipment, with powerful
computer including MS WINDOWS, MS-OFFICE etc.
This version of the instrument is intended for extensive
measurements, when data concerning defects shall be
displayed and archived.

DIO2000 is also equipped with more powerful pulse

generator allowing the defects detection in the materials.
DIO2000 can display a B-scan and save measured data
to database.
DIO2000 portable has also digital phosphor
presentation, simulating work as analog screen.

EMAT probe allows measuring on curved surfaces. Nevertheless, sound

entries into the material perpendicularly, because it is generated in the
surface layer of measured material.
Tubes with O.D. from 12 mm and wall
thickness less than 1 mm can be
measured utilizing EMAT, moreover,
there is no need of accurate probe
guiding.

EMAT 1-Channel System DIO2000 for Thickness Measurement

EMAT 1-channel comprises small instrument box DIO2000 and
control panel with display and integrated computer with control
keyboard.
Measuring unit DIO2000
is connected via serial
line to control panel.
Thus, it can be
connected on the long
distance as well.
Display unit has built-in computer PC, keyboard and mouse.
There is no need of any other apparatus for complete measuring
equipment.

EMAT System for Continuous Thickness Measurement of Tubes

without Couplant
EMAT system for several channels is same as EMAT with one
channel. Only more channel units and pulsers are installed in
DIO2000 rack.
The frame with probe holders
is made of stainless steel and
can be equipped with 12
channels.
Electronic device EMAT can
be placed at the distance up
to 5 m from probes.

EMAT Signal
With switched on function AutoGain, DIO2000
automatically compensates attenuation changes within
the material. Thickness can be red by the echo position
or utilizing correlation thickness meter automatically,
without intervention of operator.

EMAT Examples of Applications

EMAT system allows measuring on all conductive materials and ferromagnetic materials, e.g. steel, stainless
steel, aluminium, copper, brass etc., and on different shapes, e.g. plates, tubes, bars, wheels, discs.
Hand measuring as well as automated measuring can be carried out using EMAT.
Example:
Measuring from the side of railway wheel.

Example:
Measuring SDH 3 mm in the calibration block section of railway wheel.

Tube with wall thickness 6 mm, O.D. 200 mm

Plate thickness 2 mm, aluminium